"Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention — Phase III"

Since 2014, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) has continuously fostered the incorporation of gender perspectives in water governance and the participation of women in conflict resolution and water management at all levels in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The project Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention — Phase II contributed to these efforts.

The results achieved during Phase II are: (1) Increased capacity in gender-sensitive water governance and water diplomacy, (2) Empowered female water professionals through support to career development and networking activities, and (3) Exchange of experiences and mutual learning for increased awareness on gender-sensitive water governance.

Project outcomes:

• Guidance Document on Gender Mainstreaming in Water Governance in Central Asia  
• E-learning on Gender Mainstreaming in Water Governance
• Mentoring and Career Development Programme for women water professionals
• Podcasts featuring regional female role models in water management

The new project Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention – Phase III (Project No. 1102546) was launched in February 2023 and aims at contributing to more inclusive and participatory water governance and capacity building for women professionals with special consideration for increasing women’s participation in water-related negotiations, mediation processes and conflict prevention. The project is important to address transboundary water co-operation and elevate the importance of women participation in high-level decision making in transboundary basins and water co-operation with positive implications for regional peace and security.

Upcoming activities:

• Monthly capacity-building sessions for the Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia and Afghanistan
• Participation and contribution to the UN Water Conference in New York, 22-24 March 2023.